Turkey’s ruling AKP has signed agreements with Somalia and Ethiopia to enhance political ties. The agreements focus on bilateral cooperation, including research and training, positioning Turkey as a neutral mediator in regional tensions. Recent developments showcase Turkey’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its influence in the Horn of Africa through strategic partnerships.
Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has entered into two significant agreements aimed at strengthening strategic relations with Somalia and Ethiopia. On Wednesday, AKP Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya met with Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the Secretary-General of Somalia’s ruling party, to formalize a memorandum of understanding intended to enhance bilateral cooperation.
In addition, Turkish officials announced plans to sign a similar agreement with Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa on Friday. These agreements are expected to facilitate collaborative efforts including research, training, and information sharing between the political entities involved.
For two decades, the AKP has governed Turkey and seeks to share its political experience with allies in Ethiopia and Somalia while promoting civil society engagement and bilateral trade. Turkey’s neutral stance has allowed it to act as a mediator in ongoing tensions between the two nations, which have intensified following Ethiopia’s naval pact with Somaliland in 2024.
Turkey originally intended to formalize its cooperation with Ethiopia last autumn but postponed the signing to avoid any semblance of partiality. Tensions remain as in December, Somalia and Ethiopia finalized a memorandum that maintained Somalia’s territorial integrity and discussed Ethiopia’s access to the coast, although relations continue to be strained.
Analysts note that Turkey is careful to include Somalia in every initiative regarding the region. Tunc Demirtas from the Ankara-based think tank Seta remarked that Turkey is pursuing a broad regional strategy aimed at enhancing its influence across the Horn of Africa.
In alignment with this strategy, an AKP delegation led by Sirakaya is expected to establish a similar partnership with Djibouti in the coming week. The relations between Turkey and Ethiopia have strengthened, particularly following Ankara’s provision of armed drones to Ethiopia in 2021, which were pivotal in securing military successes for the Ethiopian government.
Turkey’s ties with Somalia are particularly deep-rooted; it maintains a significant military base in Mogadishu and oversees crucial infrastructure projects. In February, amidst Ethiopian tensions, Somalia and Turkey signed a defense cooperation agreement enabling Turkey to bolster Somali military capabilities and explore energy resources off its coast.
Turkey’s engagement in the Horn of Africa has been shaped by historical, political, and economic factors. As Ethiopia and Somalia have enduring disputes, Turkey’s position as a neutral mediator highlights its strategic interest in fostering stability and cooperation in the region. This is compounded by Turkey’s long-standing military and economic ties with Somalia, alongside emerging relations with Ethiopia.
In conclusion, Turkey’s recent agreements with Somalia and Ethiopia reflect its commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and addressing regional tensions. By facilitating collaboration between political parties in these countries, Turkey aims to leverage its political experience for mutual growth while maintaining strategic neutrality in the Horn of Africa’s intricate geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
